News

FCD training report: August 23

FC Dallas returned to the adidas Field at 8:30 a.m. CT today in preparation for Saturday’s showdown in Columbus, Ohio against the
Crew (3:00 p.m. CT on FSSW and TeleFutura).
The Crew (12-5-4, 40 points) lead the East and are 9-2-0 at home this season.
FC Dallas tied Columbus 2-2 at Pizza Hut Park on April 10.

FC Dallas’ Opportunity to Make History

A win or a tie against Columbus on
Saturday would give FC Dallas the all-time MLS record for a road unbeaten
streak (10 games). The team is currently tied with Columbus
(07/10/2004-10/16/2004) and the Chicago Fire (09/08/2007– 05/25/2008) for the
record (nine games).

FC Dallas First Team

The FC Dallas first team made a short appearance at training this morning
before opting to head indoors for a regeneration session led by Michael Johnson
Performance Center’s Steward Carlisle. The team will not practice on Tuesday.

Kevin Hartman, Jeff Cunningham, Eric Avila and Jackson trained with the
reserves after playing in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Chivas USA. Hartman played
exceptionally well in the win, making two spectacular saves in the second half
to record his sixth shutout of the season. He currently leads MLS with a 0.69
goals against average.

FC Dallas Reserves

FC Dallas Head Coach Schellas Hyndman ran a crossing and
finishing drill with the remainder of the squad. The drill focused on
combination play on either flank followed by a centering pass to a target
forward. The forward’s focus was to finish the crosses from both sides with his
first touch. Hyndman stressed the importance of keeping shots ‘on frame.’

The drill had several variations. One variation included a long ball in from
the opposite flank prior to beginning the combination play and subsequent cross
into the area. Bryan Levya scored the best goal of the day, chipping Hartman to
the back post. Levya’s one-timer kissed the bottom of the crossbar before
settling into the side netting.

Injury Report

Kyle Davies, who returned to practice with the full team on
Friday (strained left hamstring) participated with the full team. Ugo Ihemelu
(concussion) did not practice. Dax McCarty (strained right quad) warmed up with
the first team before transitioning to sideline drills with the FC Dallas
training staff.